Clarke welcomes new Geotourism Initiative

Alliance Councillor Patrick Clarke has welcomed the launch of a new Geotourism initiative at The Lodge in Castlewellan recently which will promote tourism within the Mourne Mountains, Cooley Peninsula and Ring of Gullion.

The new Geotourism initiative will promote and enhance the profile of the three areas within one tourism destination, with a particular focus on the significant geology and archaeology.

Speaking after the launch Clarke stated, “I would like to commend project partners Down District Council, East Border Region Ltd, Newry and Mourne District Council, Louth County Council, Banbridge District Council and the Mourne Heritage Trust at the launch of the new Geotourism initiative.

“The promotion of the Mourne Mountains, Cooley Peninsula and Ring of Gullion as a tourist destination region under the Geotourism Initiative project will greatly help attract increased domestic and international tourists from overseas.

“The Geotourism project has the potential to create and stimulate additional jobs within the whole Mourne Mountains, Cooley Peninsula and Ring of Gullion region. There is real huge tourism potential through all project partners cooperating and marketing the landscape and cultural heritage of the region.

Clarke added, “I also warmly welcome the grant funding by the European Union’s INTERREG IVA Cross Border Programme which will support the development of the Geotourism project within the Mourne Mountains, Cooley Peninsula and Ring of Gullion.”